Winsted selectmen discuss proposed school consolidation committee

WINSTED >> Consolidating the three elementary schools in Winsted has long been a topic of discussion. Selectman Candy Perez brought up the issue Monday night, with the idea of possibly forming a committee to look at the economic impact, effect on development and public opinion on consolidating to two or even one school which would be Kindergarten through sixth grade.

Perez said that she wants to look at the issue from a “community development” and “economic” point of view. This, she said, would just be “baby steps,” given that the town’s current financial constraints would prevent any real action for the next few years. Perez also mentioned that other parties would need to be involved.

“We’re never going to get anywhere if we’re not able to have an open conversation,” Perez said, one “without sides sprouting up immediately.”

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Perez said that she’d like to co-chair this proposed board or subcommittee with fellow selectman Daniel Langer, who said he was willing. The two would put together a list of “a broad spectrum of people” to join this proposed board.

“It could go somewhere and it could go nowhere,” Perez said, noting that the issue has been discussed back and forth for the past six years. “I’ve seen it go the nowhere route before.”

Selectman George Closson suggested that they “evaluate all the options and not turn your back on anything at this point.” Closson said that the project could “have potentially a major change in attitude” as far as how the town is viewed.

Perez said she is “open to anything” at this point, be it renovation and addition to an existing building or a new facility. The current buildings are “not in great shape” according to Perez and have had boiler and roof issues recently. Perez reiterated that this is just to get the ball rolling and get ideas in the air.

“The idea is to create a structure on having a conversation with different groups of people,” she said.